history of pho

This is part 2 of the story of pho Hanoi and how the Co family pho dynasty keeps its pho through 5 generations. We meet one of the two remaining members of the second generation, who demonstrates traditional pho techniques at festivals and visits his descendants’ pho shops to pass on his experience and encouragement.

Pho Hanoi by the multigenerational Co family from the town of Nam Dinh. This video tells the story of pho Hanoi and how the Co dynasty keeps its pho through 5 generations. The video is narrated in Vietnamese, but I think non-Viet speaking pho lovers will find it fascinating too. Here’s a loose transcription I made to share with everyone. Some specific audio details may be lost, but the overall meanings are still intact. Enjoy.

Vietnamese pho in Europe? Well not exactly catching on by storm like pho in the U.S., Canada and Australia, but there are enclaves of Vietnamese living in Europe. Let’s take a look at how pho got to Europe and how it’s doing in the European marketplace.

Pho in France. France has the third largest Vietnamese population outside of Vietnam, and the influence of pho in France is nothing short of phenomenal. Like many other places outside of Vietnam, the popularity of pho in France is undeniable, because where there are Vietnamese, there is pho.

Australians love their pho just as much as the Vietnamese or Americans do, and the presence of pho in Australia is almost as prominent as it is in the United States. Concentration of pho shops can be found in many Australian cities including Sydney in New South Wales, Melbourne in Victoria, Adelaide in South Australia, and Brisbane in Queensland. Here’s an overview of pho in Australia.

Vietnamese pho is probably the dish that most Americans find recognizable. Americans actually find pho appealing, and for some of my friends it’s hard for them to describe pho and why they like it, but they keep coming back for more. For me, there is no mystery in a bowl of pho. It’s just good.

A fascinating and definitive discussion of history and evolution of Vietnamese pho. The history of pho spans over a hundred years, from unification of Vietnam under French rule in 1887, to North and South Vietnam separation in 1954, and the Fall of Saigon in 1975 and beyond.